SlotGaugeCheck a catchSmooth Dogfish regulations in Maryland
Sharks · Saltwater · 2026 season
Smooth Dogfish size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland tidal waters (shore or vessel) | Open year-round | No size limit | No daily limit |
Notes
- No size or creel limit; not counted against the 1-shark approved-list limit.
- Handline or rod and reel only; corrodible non-stainless circle hooks required except with artificial flies/lures. Heads, tails and fins must stay attached through landing. Sale and finning prohibited.
Exact Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services wording
- Season
- Open Year Round
- Size
- None
- Limit
- None
- Maryland tidal waters (shore or vessel) — as printed
- “SMOOTH DOGFISH | Open Year Round | None | None | None”
Source: Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the smooth dogfish
Species of shark
The dusky smooth-hound, also called the smooth dogfish or the dog shark, is a species of houndshark in the family Triakidae. This shark is an olive grey or brown in color, and may have shades of yellow or grayish white. Females live to 16 years and males have a lifespan of 10 years. M. canis was the first shark recognised to have viral infections.
Read more about Dusky smooth-hound on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, not Wikipedia.
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Smooth Dogfish in Maryland?
No size limit in Maryland state waters.
How many Smooth Dogfish can you keep per day in Maryland?
No daily limit.
When is Smooth Dogfish season in Maryland?
Open year-round.
Is my Smooth Dogfish a keeper today?
Smooth Dogfish has no size limit today, with no daily limit.